Social media addiction is a growing concern among parents, but a new study suggests that the amount of time kids spend on screens may not be the main issue. Researchers found that kids who exhibited high or increasing use of social media and mobile phones were at two to three times greater risk for suicidal behavior and suicidal ideations compared to those with lower usage.
Girls were more likely to have high trajectories of addictive social media use, while boys were more likely to have high trajectories of addictive video game use. The study also found that kids who exhibited signs of addiction, such as compulsive use or the inability to stop using these platforms, were at a higher risk for symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Experts recommend that parents take steps to prevent social media addiction by creating device agreements with their kids and monitoring their usage. They should also watch for signs of addiction, such as excessive phone checking or withdrawal-like symptoms when access is denied.
If you think your child may be addicted, talk to them about their feelings and try to understand why they’re spending so much time on these platforms. Schedule other activities and revise device agreements as needed. However, if the addiction seems to be having negative consequences or interfering with your child’s functioning, seek help from a mental health professional.
The key takeaway is that parents should worry less about the amount of time kids spend on screens and more about whether they’re exhibiting signs of addiction. By taking proactive steps, you can help prevent social media addiction and promote healthier habits for your child.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/18/health/kids-screen-addiction-study-wellness